Colorado Avalanche Top 10 Prospects After Draft

Colorado Avalanche prospect #4 — C Mikhail Grigorenko

Jan 8, 2015; Raleigh, NC, USA; Buffalo Sabres forward Mikhail Grigorenko (25) skates with puck against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena. The Hurricanes defeated the Sabres 5-2. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

After Duncan Siemens at No. 8, Mikhail Grigorenko is the second mystery box. While he was ranked as the No. 4 European skater heading into the draft in 2012, off-ice issues have reportedly kept him from really succeeding so far. Add to that his threat to return to the KHL if he doesn’t play in the NHL right away and you’ve got yourself one good prospect with attitude.

Grigorenko probably has the potential to be No. 2 on this list, but isn’t because of said issues. If he gets it together in Colorado, he may be able to turn the O’Reilly trade into a big win for the Avalanche. If not, well, he will move farther down this ranking. There is a chance that he starts the season in Colorado, but could just as well start in the AHL.

NHL-ready: 2016-17

Next: Colorado Avalanche prospect #3